Preservation Of Indigenous Knowledge Research Articles

Mirrors of Knowledge and Indigenous Knowledge Management

This study assessed the role of mirrors of knowledge in the management and preservation of indigenous knowledge for sustainability and development in Ghana. The qualitative research design and structured interview were used in this study. The study focused on three categories of mirrors of knowledge: libraries (academic libraries, research libraries, special libraries, and public and community libraries), museums, and archive centers. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze the data collected via the interview. The study established that the managers and officers of the mirrors of knowledge understand and appreciate the concept of indigenous knowledge; there was the availability of technological systems and tools to facilitate the management and preservation of indigenous knowledge; and the mirrors of knowledge played a significant role in the management and preservation of knowledge. However, the absence of a collection development policy on indigenous knowledge; the outdated nature of most of the technological tools; the lack of funding; the lack of appreciation of indigenous knowledge by the staff and community members; etc. affected the quest to effectively manage and preserve indigenous knowledge for sustainable development. This study will serve as a guide for managers and policymakers of all the categories of mirrors of knowledge on the need, role, and importance of a collection development policy for indigenous knowledge, and guide in the identification and deployment of the appropriate technological systems for the management and preservation of indigenous knowledge. It will also inform the managers, policymakers, and stakeholders of indigenous knowledge of the challenges associated with the collection and management of indigenous knowledge and measures that can be deployed to help solve these problems for sustainability and development.

Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used by various ethnic tribes of Mizoram, India.

Mizoram has a diverse range of ethnic and cultural groups, including the Lushai, Mara, Lai, Bawm, Hmar, Chakma, and Bru. Through practice and experience in their protracted battles with disease and the harsh natural environment, they have amassed rich folk medicine knowledge. The preservation of indigenous knowledge, identification of bioactive compounds, and the eventual discovery of novel medicinal plant species all depend on the documentation of the traditional uses of medicinal plants. Therefore, the present study was designed to document the ethnomedicinal knowledge related to the usage of medicinal plants in Mizoram, India. An ethnobotanical study of medicinal plants was carried out in 17 villages of 5 districts in Mizoram between September 2022 and January 2023. A total of 128 informants (77 males and 51 females) were interviewed. Information was gathered through field observations, group discussions, and semistructured interviews. The data were presented using descriptive statistics. To assess the importance of medicinal plant species, quantitative indices such as the informant consensus factor (ICF), fidelity level (FL), use value (UV), and cultural index (CI) was used. In our ethnobotanical investigation, 102 medicinal plant species from 95 genera and 58 families were recorded and documented. The majority of them (90 species) were obtained from wild habitats. The majority of the documented species were trees (48), followed by herbs (23 species) and shrubs (21 species). The most common method of preparation was decoction (67 species). Diabetes had the highest ICF value (0.81), followed by cancer, liver problems, and hypertension (0.8). The fidelity level (FL) of indigenous communities in the study area was evaluated to determine the dependability and consistency of herbal drug use. Indigenous knowledge and the variety of medicinal plant species that are used are of great values. The therapeutic applications of documented plants provide fundamental information for additional studies centered on pharmacological investigations and the preservation of the most significant species.

Prospects and challenges of using information and communication technology for managing indigenous knowledge in Nigeria

The emergence of new technology and methods of communication on are changing the way we access knowledge. These digital technology changes have serious effects on indigenous knowledge and its documentation and also create new challenges for indigenous communities. Consideration should be given to how these technologies are used to maximize the benefits and lessen the negative effects of over exploration of indigenous resources and also prevent unauthorized use of indigenous knowledge and intellectual properties by the external world. Furthermore, in Nigeria, communities, organisations and the government are also realising the value and significance of Indigenous Knowledge and the importance of preserving it for future generations. This paper, therefore, explores Indigenous knowledge as a concept, identifies Intellectual Property law protecting Indigenous knowledge in Nigeria and discusses the role of technology in documentation, dissemination and preservation of Indigenous knowledge as whole. The benefit of using ICT identified are increase of cultural activism, exchange of information on indigenous activities and practices, while lack of infrastructure, Incessant power failure/lack of electricity, lack of ICT awareness and negative attitudes towards ICT, communication preferences and geographical location are some of the challenges of using information and communication technology in the management of indigenous knowledge.

Ethnobotanical and ethnopharmacological survey of medicinal tree species used in the treatment of diseases by forest-fringe communities of Southwestern Ghana

Demand for medicinal plant remedies is rising globally, while indigenous knowledge about medicinal plants is declining rapidly. The preservation of indigenous knowledge is critical in discovering and developing innovative drugs. The ongoing discussions on providing nature-based solutions to contemporary issues make it urgent to document indigenous knowledge about medicinal trees, especially in areas with limited or no studies such as our study area. Our study aimed to understand the use of medicinal trees among the communities fringing the Asukese and Amama Shelterbelt Forest Reserves. We administered structured questionnaires and interviewed 88 respondents who were selected using snowball and simple random techniques. The ethnobotanical survey data were processed and evaluated using parameters such as Indigenous Knowledge Index (IKI), Relative Citation Frequency (RCF), Species Use Value (SUV), Family Use Value (FUV), and Plant Part Value (PPV). We found that ethnobotanical knowledge about medicinal trees was higher in respondents who were widowed or had larger number of dependants. We found that the local communities used diverse medicinal trees (70 species belonging to 33 families) to treat 83 ailments. Azadirachta indica had the highest RCF (8.9) and SUV (23.4). The other top four species according to the SUV were Alstonia boonei (SUV = 11.1), Khaya senegalensis (SUV = 10.7), Moringa oleifera (SUV = 10.3) and Cocos nucifera (SUV = 10.2). The most-well represented and valuable families were Fabaceae, Anacardiaceae, Meliaceae, Arecaceae, Rubiaceae and Malvaceae. Medicinal trees had alternative uses such as food, fodder, fuelwood, and construction material. Indigenous knowledge about medicinal trees was transmitted to younger generations predominantly by parents. The results show that the most known botanical families and species with the most useful parts were the most useful plant families and species. Thus, the selection of medicinal trees was driven by their traits. Furthermore, results indicate that species diversity is critical to the healthcare needs of local communities and that their conservation and sustainable use and the preservation of indigenous knowledge are crucial to ensuring good health and the general well-being of local communities of all ages.

The role of digital humanities in the preservation of indigenous knowledge at the National Museums of Kenya

Rationale of Study – Digital humanities offer new possibilities for preserving and sharing indigenous knowledge. This paper investigates the role of digital humanities in preserving indigenous knowledge at the National Museums of Kenya. The objectives are to determine the extent to which digital humanities are used in the management, preservation and showcase of indigenous knowledge at the National Museums of Kenya and establish the challenges and opportunities in the use of digital humanities in the preservation of indigenous knowledge.Methodology – A qualitative research method was adopted to collect qualitative data from the literature review and purposely selected museum staff through interviews. Data was analysed thematically.Findings – The findings indicate that preservation and management of indigenous knowledge are crucial for maintaining cultural identity, facilitating knowledge sharing, and raising awareness about the richness and diversity of indigenous cultures in Kenya and beyond.Implications – The study's results can serve as a model for similar initiatives in Africa and beyond.Originality – This is an original paper which investigates the role of digital humanities in preserving indigenous knowledge at the National Museums of Kenya.

Indigenous knowledge preservation as a sign of respect for culture: concerns of libraries, archives and museums

Indigenous knowledge preservation as a sign of respect for culture: concerns of libraries, archives and museums

A Comprehensive Study on the Livestock Sub-Sector Analysis and its Role in Fostering Sustainable Development in Zambia: Insights from the 2022 Livestock Survey Report

This study provides a comprehensive analysis of Zambia's dynamic livestock sub-sector as of April 30, 2022, drawing insights from the 2022 Livestock Survey Report. With 1,801,075 households actively engaged in livestock activities, the sub-sector emerges as a vital component of the country's rural livelihoods. Understanding the interplay of household characteristics and livestock populations is pivotal for crafting sustainable development policies that enhance the well-being of the sub-sector's participants.
 Gender dynamics within the livestock sub-sector underscore the central role of men as household heads and primary decision-makers. This necessitates targeted initiatives to empower women, fostering their active involvement and amplifying contributions that lead to improved household prosperity, expanded economic opportunities, and the preservation of indigenous knowledge.
 Zambia's diverse livestock population, with a significant presence of 4,698,972 cattle, plays a crucial role in ensuring protein availability, bolstering nutritional security, and contributing to household incomes. Goats, sheep, and pigs also feature prominently, meeting various demands for meat, milk and other essentials. Recognizing the unique contributions of each livestock species allows for tailored strategies to improve their productivity and welfare.
 Addressing provincial disparities in livestock production and resource utilization is imperative for achieving sustainable development goals. Provincial variations in agro-ecological conditions, market access, and infrastructure necessitate context-specific interventions. Such approaches can harness provincial strengths, optimize resource utilization, and stimulate value chain development.
 Moreover, this study highlights opportunities in honey production and milk output. Apiculture and beekeeping investment can aid biodiversity conservation through pollination services while fostering high-quality honey production. Tailored capacity-building and infrastructure development can address provincial disparities in milk production, benefiting smallholder dairy farmers and the broader dairy industry.
 This study underscores the livestock sub-sector's pivotal role in sustainable development, food security, and rural livelihood enhancement in Zambia. By embracing responsible, inclusive strategies and evidence-based insights, policymakers, stakeholders, and development practitioners can optimize the sub-sector's potential. Focusing on household well-being, gender inclusivity, and provincial equity will foster a resilient and thriving livestock sub-sector, benefiting all segments of society and paving the way for a brighter and more sustainable future for Zambia.

Assessing Food and Livelihood Security in Sea Salt Community: A GIAHS Study in Ban Laem, Phetchaburi, Thailand

This study investigates food and livelihood security in Ban Laem District, Phetchaburi, a unique sea salt community recognized under the Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems (GIAHS). We assess the current status of food and livelihood security, utilizing the entropy weight method. Our findings reveal a composite evaluation score of 2.724, comprising an average food security rating of 1.476 and a livelihood security score of 1.248. Agricultural diversity emerges as pivotal for food security, while financial support, indigenous knowledge preservation, and climate adaptation strategies are crucial for livelihood security. Our recommendations include fostering awareness, collaboration, diversified farming, financial accessibility, and cultural conservation initiatives. This research provides valuable insights into coastal community security and informs transformative policies for sustainable development.

ISSUES AND CHALLENGES ON INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE RESEARCH

The significance of Indigenous knowledge and its role are being recognized worldwide today. However, there is the grave danger of its extinction due to internal and external factors. That the preservation of indigenous knowledge is a pertinent and urgent matter is being acknowledged by the stakeholders – indigenous communities, governmental and non-governmental bodies and researchers alike. One of the most important approaches to this preservation is the research being carried out by academics and non-academics. Researching on indigenous knowledge, while it faces the same issues as researching on other subject areas, is also saddled with additional issues in connection with key contacts, authenticity, copyright and so on. This paper describes the common and uncommon issues associated with researching on indigenous knowledge based mainly on personal experiences of the researcher. KEYWORDS : Indigenous Knowledge, Research on Indigenous knowledge, Problems in Research, Issues and Challenges

Stakeholders in the acquisition, preservation, and dissemination of indigenous knowledge projects

Indigenous knowledge preservation can lead to sustainable development and the protection of the environment, facilitating the achievement of one of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals, number 15, which seeks to protect the sustainable use of ecosystems to avoid desertification and land degradation. This article reports on a study aimed at identifying the stakeholders to be involved in the acquisition, preservation, and dissemination of IK in the digital era. The study considered the Ulwazi and Mukurtu projects, which are documented in the literature and representing the contexts of developing and developed countries, respectively. A qualitative approach triangulating data collection techniques was employed by doing a systematic literature review on four databases, i.e., Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Dimensions, followed by a web content analysis of the websites and official social media platforms of the two projects. Content analysis was used to select the relevant documents, followed by online interviews to collect data from two project administrators to validate the findings. The data were thematically analysed using the NVIVO software. The findings provided valuable information about the role and functions of stakeholders in the context of the model that is being designed for IK projects. It was noted that all stakeholders should be involved so that no one is left behind.

Any alternatives to rice? Ethnobotanical insights into the dietary use of edible plants by the Higaonon tribe in Bukidnon Province, the Philippines

Though considered an agricultural country, the Philippines is the world’s largest importer of rice. The persistent problem of insufficient rice supply, however, has been exacerbated by economic crises and natural calamities. Yet, for the Higaonon tribe in Bukidnon Province, the Philippines, the rich agrobiodiversity and wild edible plants are vital for food security and resilience since the mountainous terrain in this province presents a challenge for rice cultivation. To gain insight from the indigenous edible plant knowledge of the Higaonon tribe, we conducted an ethnobotanical research to document the diversity, utilization, and biocultural refugia of both cultivated and wild edible plants. A total of 76 edible plant species belonging to 62 genera and 36 botanical families were documented. The most represented botanical families included the Fabaceae, Solanaceae, and Zingiberaceae. In terms of dietary usage, 3 species were categorized as cereals; 8 species were white roots, tubers, and plantains; 3 species were vitamin A-rich vegetables and tubers; 16 species were green leafy vegetables; 12 species were categorized as other vegetables; 2 species were vitamin A-rich fruits; 27 species were classified as other fruits; 7 species were legumes, nuts, and seeds; and 8 species were used as spices, condiments, and beverages. Using the statistical software R with ethnobotanyR package, we further calculated the ethnobotanical indices (use-report (UR), use-value (UV), number of use (NU), and fidelity level (FL)) from 1254 URs in all 9 food use-categories. The species with the highest UV and UR were from a variety of nutrient-rich edible plants such as Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam., Musa species, Colocasia esculenta (L.) Schott, Zea mays L., and Manihot esculenta Crantz. The extensive utilization of root and tuber crops along with corn and plantain that contain a higher amount of energy and protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins were shown to be an important nutrient-rich alternatives to rice. Whilst males appeared to be more knowledgeable of edible plant species collected from the forests and communal areas, there were no significant differences between males and females in terms of knowledge of edible plants collected from homegardens, riverbanks, and farms. The various food collection sites of the Higaonon tribe may be considered as food biocultural refugia given their socio-ecological function in food security, biodiversity conservation, and preservation of indigenous knowledge.

Demarcation and Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge and Culture. A Deconstructive Study of Mad Bear

Literary studies have historically focused on Native American literature as a reflection of the cultural and cultural history that underpins anthropological research. However, recent studies in Indigenous studies call for the themes and perspectives that see Indigenous past and present writers working on the idea of a state of dissolution that will work to regain ancestral memory and recognition with hegemonic trends of Euro Americans among other things. This paper attempts to clear the obscurity that Indians and Euro Americans are happily merged now having their hybridized identities and culture. BOYD wrote a cohesive, or national, life narrative that works on the concept of storytelling and ancestral memory that revives the historical narrative surrounding the tribal-centric mission and contributes to the re-interpretation of the monarchy and colonial practices by Euro Americans.

Gum yan asing Kaangas giidaay han hll guudang gas ga. I Will Never Again Feel That I Am Less Than: Indigenous Health Care Providers’ Perspectives on Ending Racism in Health Care

Racism toward Indigenous Peoples continues to permeate throughout the health care system, a reality the authors know all too well in their shared and yet unique personal and professional experiences. Although acknowledging and speaking up against racial injustice is daunting, and is often met with disregard or inaction, the authors contend that this is a necessary undertaking to redress the ongoing harms of colonialism. Correspondingly, those who do not speak up must not have their voices silenced. Instead, the perspectives that Indigenous Peoples have regarding their own experiences of racism must be heeded seriously and produce real and tangible solutions. In narrating their own encounters of confronting and challenging racism, the authors juxtapose activism and resistance with the preservation of Indigenous Knowledge as a catalyst for propelling the necessary changes forward within health care to end racism. To be truly impactful, all efforts taken to address racism must occur alongside advancing equity of care and human rights for and by Indigenous Peoples at individual, community, and systemic levels. Changes are not needed after more evidence. The time to act is now.

Ethnomedicinal uses, phytoconstituents and pharmacological importance of pteridophytes used by Malayalis in Kolli hills, India: A quantitative survey

Ethnopharmacological relevance: The medicinal value of pteridophytes has been known to humans since ancient times; however limited data is available about their phytoconstituents and pharmacological properties. Hence, this study was planned to document medicinal usage of pteridophytes by Malayali people in Kolli hills of Eastern Ghats, India. Existing information on phytoconstituents, previous reports on similar therapeutic uses and pharmacological activities for the documented species were compiled. Methods: Fieldwork was conducted from October 2015 to September 2016 and ethnomedicinal data were collected through semi-structured questionnaires from the healers in the study area. The collected data were analyzed through fidelity level (FL) and informants consensus factor (ICF) and recorded illnesses were sorted into 17 ailment categories for the purpose of statistical calculations. Results: A total of 55 species of medicinally important pteridophytes representing 23 families and 38 genera were identified in the study. Mostly fronds were used for preparation of medicine (37 %). Powder (31 %) was one of the dominant preparation methods in treating various ailments. Highest FL (100 %) was recorded for 24 species and highest ICF was recorded for kidney problems (0.90). Conclusions: The present study has an important contribution towards the preservation of indigenous knowledge which is being eroded among younger generations. Most of the frequently used species documented in this study are scarcely explored in phytochemical and pharmacological aspects, despite their remarkable usage among the Malayalis. Hence, this study stresses the need for phytochemical, toxicological and clinical studies on documented species of pteridophytes for the discovery of active molecules and new drug sources.

Goge Africa: Preserving Indigenous Knowledge Innovatively through Mass Media Technology

AbstractThis paper examines preservation of indigenous knowledge as a critical resource for the dissemination of information about Africa through mass media technology. Goge Africa is a Nigerian tourism and cultural television programme which uses media technology to preserve and showcase African heritage to the rest of the world. The reason for studying Goge is that it is currently the only outfit functioning as both a heritage institution and a privately owned fashion, music, and tourism company. It is based on content analysis of primary and secondary data. The primary data was obtained from four in-depth interviews conducted between the researchers and the brand manager and representative of Goge Africa as well as a face-to-face interview with the developers and hosts of Goge Africa, Isaac and Nneka Moses. Secondary data was obtained from relevant documents through an electronic search of databases. The findings reveal the innovative way the outfit has tried to preserve its heritage materials such as films, tapes, videos, and manuscripts. The challenges faced in the attempts to preserve indigenous knowledge were also revealed. Discussions suggest the need for intensive interest in the preservation of African indigenous knowledge. Preservation of indigenous knowledge should be promoted in all virtual communities and educational systems. It is recommended that governments and heritage institutions should commence plans to promote the preservation of indigenous knowledge in order to promote cultures and enhance indigenous knowledge sustainability.

The fate of indigenous knowledge: The role played by libraries in Tanzania

The study aimed at assessing libraries’ role in sustaining indigenous knowledge (IK) in Tanzania. To do so, an exploratory design that used face to face semi-structured interviews and non-participatory observations were employed to collect data. The study has established that libraries play an insignificant role in collecting IK, especially when it comes to its codification. However, the libraries have also been found to play a good role at preservation of IK and use a number of ways to disseminate and promote IK usage. Unfortunately, these efforts face a number of challenges including insufficiency of funds and lack of interest in IK.

Indigenous Traditional Knowledge on Health and Equitable Benefits of Oil Palm (Elaeis spp.)

Recent international policy resolutions have recognized the importance of indigenous knowledge and potential of native medicinal plants in providing health and equitable benefits to the indigenous communities. Lack of knowledge on available native medicinal plants and their health potential may result in inappropriate health care practices causing ailments and as-sociated problems. Oil palm is among the plants that are widely used by the traditional natives of West Africa. Every part of the oil palm has domestic, economic, environmental and medicinal values. This review aims at exploration, perpetuation and preservation of indigenous knowledge on oil palm for health and equitable benefits for incorporation of the same into primary health care system. The traditional medicinal uses of oil palm by indigenous communities are well known from the bibliographical records. The literature consulted for this review was obtained from Medline, PubMed, Embase, Science Direct, Scopus, SID and Google Scholar search carried out from October, 2018 to November, 2018. The literature survey and screening of data revealed that preparations from different parts of Elaeis guineensis are widely used in traditional medicine by the indigenous communities, with most of the uses relating to leaf, fruit, seed, infructescence/inflorescence, root and heart. E. guineensis is used in traditional medicine mostly without being mixed with other plants, and less commonly in mixtures, sometimes in mixture with products of animal origin to treat ailments like malaria, anaemia, gonorrhoea, amenorrhea, menorrhagia, hernia, rheumatism, bronchitis, hepatitis, small pox, measles, influenza, fever, dysentery, pleurisy, lumbago, cancer, asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, headache, earache, perinatal abdominal pain, hiccoughs, convulsions, filariasis, candidiasis, Tinea cruris, to reduce mental fatigue, mental disorders, palpitations and heart trouble, to regulate body temperature, to heal ulcers, boils, piles, cuts and fractures, for sexual impotence, male and female sterility, easy flow of menses, to prevent miscarriage, to reduce bleeding during pregnancy, to promote easy delivery of women, for postpartum placental retention, to increase milk flow in nursing mothers, to encourage children to walk at an early age, to accelerate maturity and softness of boils and abscesses, to remove thorns from body and as a poison antidote. Elaeis oleifera has a narrow range of ethno-medicinal uses as it was cited to cure only stomach or gastrointestinal disorders. On the whole, all parts of E. guineensis have ethno-medicinal uses, and further research is required as to explore the potential therapeutic properties, clinical and toxicological aspects of this plant. The result of this study provides the basis for further pharmacological studies on the herbal remedies used.

Human uses and indigenous knowledge of edible termites in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa

Termites are a good food source, being rich in proteins, fats, vitamins and many essential mineral nutrients, and thus provide food security for poor households. We report on a survey conducted in the Vhembe District Municipality of Limpopo Province, South Africa, to identify edible termite species and find out how they are harvested, prepared, graded, packaged and marketed. We also looked at the socio-economic factors of the harvesters, marketers and consumers. Using a structured questionnaire, 104 individuals were interviewed from 48 villages. Most of the harvesters were over the age of 60 years but termites are consumed by the whole family. The results of the survey revealed that only three termite species are consumed: soldiers of Macrotermes falciger (89.90%), M. natalensis (8.08%) and M. michaelseni (2.02%). The preferred method of preparation was frying (77.55% of the respondents). At least 80.77% of the respondents indicated that some religions have restrictions on termite consumption but no ethnic restrictions were reported. The income derived from selling termites was estimated to range from ZAR2040 to ZAR17 680 per annum between April 2015 and April 2016. The results of this study showed that edible termites contribute significantly to the livelihoods of many rural families and this indigenous knowledge should be passed on to younger generations. Research on the sustainability of termite harvesting is recommended.
 Significance: 
 
 Termites are sources of food with high economic and social importance, and are easily accessible by the poor.
 Studies have been conducted on edible termites in many African countries, yet comparatively little is known about edible termites in South Africa.
 Preservation of indigenous knowledge used during harvesting and processing needs to be prioritised.

NEPED - An Integrated Development Project, and Its Role in Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge in Nagaland

NEPED - An Integrated Development Project, and Its Role in Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge in Nagaland

The Protection and Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge on Tempe, Traditional Native Food of Indonesia

The Protection and Preservation of Indigenous Knowledge on Tempe, Traditional Native Food of Indonesia